We sent 11 uncaptioned photos of traditional Scottish activities, foods, and events to BuzzFeed offices in Mexico, New York, Russia, Washington DC, Canada, Brazil, and London, and asked them to write down the first thing that came into their heads. Twenty-five people replied. This is what they said:

Every year in Kelty, Fife, people sign up to race 1km through the town centre carrying a sack of coal. Men carry a 50kg sack, while women carry 25kg.

Paul (Canada): I don't know what this woman did to be forced to carry the Sack of Shame while being exiled from her village, but I'm sure it was very serious.

John (Washington, DC): I can't believe there are at least 75 people in Scotland willing to run with a sack of coal.

Hannah (London): This woman has committed a crime and this is just how the criminal justice system works in Scotland.

Julia (New York): This is how garbage is collected in Scotland. It takes a really long time and uses a lot of resources, but all of the people in the towns have a really fun time cheering their garbage collectors.

Rebecca (London): This looks like an extremely effective way to move coal, actually. I don't have any better ideas. Well done, Scotland.

Highland dance is a form of competitive solo dancing dating back to the 19th century, usually performed to bagpipe music.

Kristofer (New York): This is the real Hunger Games. Each girl comes from a different village to represent all of Scotland...they will dance for their lives. Also, can we just talk about the determination on girl 578's face?

Victor (Russia): It's the "National Best Number Higher Than 500" competition.

Every Burns supper starts with an enthusiastic reading of the Rabbie Burns poem "Address to a Haggis" before the haggis is cut with a silver knife.

Morenike (London): This is what a Scottish man must do before every meal: tenderise his thighs to better absorb that digested food.

Paul (Canada): Scotland takes "the drunk uncle at family dinner" thing to a whole new level.

Dan (London): This is a traditional Scottish greeting exchanged between men in the pub. This is only acceptable if you are a Scot. Tourists attempting the "Scot's Greeting" will be met with disdain and indecipherable grumbles.

Victor (Russia): Is this a meat auction?

Alexis (New York): There is a glass of scotch on the table? And a microphone? Is this Scottish parliament? Is this how the government happens?

Up Helly Aa is a Viking-themed fire festival that takes place annually in Lerwick, Shetland, to commemorate the island's Norse heritage.

Dan: (London): This is an average Tuesday, with proud locals commuting to work. The sun doesn't rise in Scotland between September and June, so locals carry torches to light their way during "the long night".

Sarah (New York): Is this on HBO?

Rebecca (London): Are these men walking on water? Because there is clearly a ship behind them. If so, well done on keeping fire lit whilst in water.

Alexis (New York): ALL HAIL THE KING IN THE NORTH. ALL HAIL THE KING IN THE NORTH. ALL HAIL THE KING IN THE NORTH.

Paul (London): This looks suspiciously like the most excellent Lewes Bonfire, which is at the other end of the country. It is therefore also most excellent.

Hannah (London): This is part of a government programme to scare kids straight about the dangers of alcohol.

Juliana (Brazil): Is this a very watery Halloween party?

Chris (London): I know this one! This is the Loony Dook, when you attempt to get rid of your New Year's Day hangover by diving into the freezing Firth of Forth. Seconds after this photo is taken is when everyone starts chundering from a combination of cold shock and alcohol poisoning.

Natalya (London): I don't know what is going on but it looks very cold and I salute all these hardy Scottish people.